Neigh-sayers (sorry, couldn't resist!), some folks think horses are simple creatures, just concerned with food, sleep, and the odd gallop around the fields. But I reckon, just like humans, horses have feelings, memories, and opinions! And who better to give you a horse’s perspective on history than a mare like me?
That’s why I started this blog on EquiWorld – to give a glimpse into our equine world!
This week, we’re taking a look at the year 361 AD, a year that was full of promise, both for the human world and our equine one.
Let’s travel back in time, shall we?
My name is Emma. I’m a grey mare with a lovely white mane and tail – you know the type – people always remark on how it sparkles! And, well, I have to say I'm rather proud of it. I live in Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland, a place known for its rugged beauty and rolling green hills – a true haven for a horse!
Here, in 361 AD, life is pretty good. It’s been a good year so far! The crops are abundant, which means more luscious grazing for us horses – just the way we like it! It’s lovely to see the sun on the fields too, although winter will be coming, of course. I'm getting a bit old, so I do enjoy the warmer weather more nowadays, even if the biting wind is invigorating in a certain way.
You know, 361 AD wasn’t just about grass and good weather, though. It was also a year where the human world started to shift around. Maybe it's because I've always been around people, I can’t help but feel connected to them and their goings on.
Firstly, let’s talk about a chap called Emperor Valentinian! This fellow had a big impact on the Roman Empire and hence also on our world. In this year, Valentinian I was the ruler. You might have heard of him – they say he was quite a strict leader. This wasn't a bad thing though. When it came to his dealings with the barbarians on the borders of the Roman Empire, it was thought to be a good idea to be firm and decisive, so that’s what he was, just like a good rider keeping a strong rein on his steed.
One thing Valentinian I was known for was the strong way he ruled the empire. He kept things in order – like how my groom, James, keeps us in our stables and out of mischief, although we always like to have a little fun when James isn't looking. Valentinian was always prepared for trouble and knew how to be firm when he needed to be. We say here in Hayfield that it’s good to have a leader who is firm and decisive - who keeps everyone in line! You don’t want a leader who isn’t strong! A weak leader wouldn't be good for anyone!
But, to go back to our horses and what we did back in 361 AD. This was a year of travel and movement. You know that’s my favourite thing to do – to have a run, to be on the go - a true traveller at heart!
Of course, many of us horses in 361 AD weren’t involved with the Roman army – we were helping with farm work, carrying burdens, or transporting goods from one place to another – and the travelling always helps to broaden your mind! It’s not all about grass, I tell you!
Imagine how fascinating it was to see different parts of the world, the changing landscape – the plains of England are very different to the rolling hills of Scotland! And not just the scenery, I also met other horses from different places all the time, even from the remote places like Scandinavia and Egypt, where it is said that the horses are different from those here in Scotland. Some are even spotted – how intriguing, especially with the lack of colour we usually have here in Hayfield, although my white tail and mane do add a little excitement to the place!
That’s right – our horses carried messages, mail, people, and supplies over great distances, all around the world – from Scotland all the way to Egypt in the South! It was a time of communication, travel, and the spreading of ideas! That reminds me of a little story from that very year - in 361 AD, a well-known Roman officer, Ammianus Marcellinus, described a traveler, the "Courier" – who rode from Egypt right to the city of Constantinople! A really big deal for someone back then! Now, that’s what I call an adventure, and, I dare say, a journey made possible by the incredible dedication of horses, myself included – we always get there on time, and that's what makes us horses special!
361 AD was also the year that Emperor Julian – known as the “Apostate” - had his short reign in the Roman empire. It was a short-lived period - not that long, you see, and he went off to do a big campaign to fight in Persia - that country east of the Roman Empire - you know, they had really great horses back then too. A real luxury, I heard tell. But Julian never made it back from the campaign – something terrible happened - a battle or some sort that the Roman army couldn’t win – he fell in that battle and was gone! So he wasn’t really an important ruler for long, only for a year – almost a blip in the big scheme of things! But that's how history goes. It's always changing - nothing lasts forever – and a change in the leaders means a change in what’s happening for everyone, including the horses!
Life wasn’t always easy back then for horses. In 361, just like today, we were working horses, involved in the daily lives of humans, whether it was pulling a plough, or transporting goods. Sometimes it was hard work – I won’t deny it - but we learned to adapt and be resilient!
The most important thing to remember is that we were all part of a community, of a way of life – it was about working together and looking out for each other – just like the horses in Hayfield do today.
Speaking of community, in Hayfield this year we have a young stallion, Arthur, who just arrived from a nearby village. We all welcome him with open manes! We all try to help Arthur settle into his new environment and he's proving himself a very willing and friendly horse too! He says that in his previous home there were very few horses – it must have been quite a change for him to arrive here! And we are all so happy to have him here! You see – community is important – you’re never really alone when you are part of a community. We’re all part of the big family.
So, as I finish my post, I hope you’ve gained an insight into the life of horses in 361 AD – I think this year, this special year was the start of so much, especially with all the new ideas from the East coming West! It’s a reminder that history is all about growth, movement, and change! And, I'm proud to say we horses are at the heart of it all! Don’t you agree?
Keep neigh-ing,
Emma
